Eagle River - Home heating costs can add up over the winter. But it's not too late to get some help paying off that bill.

Wisconsin Public Service wants to remind customers you can still receive assistance for bill paying. One of the places you can go for help is the your county Social Services office.

"We do an interactive interview process here at the office. At the beginning of the year, we do a lot of short forms, which are for fixed income people," says Linda Small, Vilas County WHEAP Coordinator.
Assistance for heating is run through the federal government and electric assistance comes from the state through Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP). While you can call in for assistance at any time of the year, it is important to apply early.

"A lot of people are calling now because they have fallen behind in the winter. Once there's a moratorium on with your class A utilities they can't be disconnected but come April 15, they can be disconnected," says Linda Small.

The Social Services office will also help create budget plans to help you avoid needing assistance next year.